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Rural campaigners have condemned New Forest officials for scrapping plans to
launch Britain’s first major bike hire scheme in a national park.

The plans, which had already secured £2 million of government funding, were
abandoned today amid fears from members of the New Forest National Park
Authority that “anti-cycling sentiment” among local residents would scupper
the scheme.

Ralph Smyth, a senior transport official at the Campaign to Protect Rural
England, said: “The New Forest public bike system was a great example of
sustainable development. The decision to cancel it is bad for the local
economy, local people, and the environment.

“A statutory purpose of National Parks is to promote opportunities for
enjoyment by the public.”

Members of the authority yesterday cited concerns that sponsorship would be
difficult to obtain and added that: “There was a real risk that suitable
docking station sites would not be supported at key locations”.

A firm had already been awarded the contract to provide 250 bikes at 20
locations. More than 2,000 people, backed by Chris Boardman, the former
Olympic cycle champion, signed a petition calling on the authority to press
ahead with the scheme.

A report by the authority report last
week suggested handing back the £2 million, but a spokesman said
today: “The National Park Authority now intends to support alternative
cycling projects with the funding previously allocated for the public bike
system.”

The original bid was approved by the Department for Transport, who said they
will now “work closely” with the New Forest to ensure the money is spent on
suitable projects.

A spokesman said: “The cycle-hire scheme was just one of the options being
considered by New Forest and we will now work closely with them to ensure
the money is invested in alternative local cycling projects, which will be
of maximum benefit to the local community.”

Campaigners have criticised the prime minister for failing to support his
promise of a “cycling revolution” with adequate funding.